Exactech Hip, Knee and Ankle Replacement Recall Lawsuits

Exactech Recalls Defective Knee and Ankle Replacement Systems

Exactech has recalled more than 140,000 knee and ankle systems packaged between 2004 and 2022. The polyethelene plastic parts may wear out too early and must be replaced, requiring another knee or ankle surgery. The recall notice was sent to surgeons, hospitals and health care professionals across the country on February 7, 2022. 

Which Exactech Knee and Ankle Products Were Recalled?

The recall includes specific OPTETRAK®, OPTETRAK Logic®, and TRULIANT® tibial inserts and components, as well as VANTAGE® fixed-bearing liner components.

Why Were the Exactech Knee and Ankle Systems Recalled?

Exactech Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) Knee and Ankle Polyethylene Inserts are implanted in between the metal components of Exactech’s knee and ankle replacements. Since 2004, the inserts have been packaged in material that is defective. The packaging was missing a barrier layer that increased oxygen resistance. As a result, the defective packaging may let oxygen into the polyethylene inserts, allowing them to become oxidized. Oxidized polyethylene may degrade over time, causing the parts to wear out earlier than expected, or become damaged after placement in the patient’s body.

Exactech Connexion GXL Hip Liner Implant Recall

In addition, in the summer of 2021 Exactech recalled the Connexion GXL acetabular hip implant liners. This was classified as a Class 2 recall by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recalled hip liners showed early and excessive wear of the polyethelene plastic liners of the hip replacement systems. As a result, the hip implants have failed more quickly due to liner wear.

Signs of Exactech Implant Failure

Problems which may have been caused by Exactech’s defective hip, knee and ankle implants include: 

• Bone loss, 
• Debris, 
• Accelerated wear, 
• Component fatigue, and
• Component fracture or cracking that will require revision surgery to correct. 

A patient who is experiencing such complications (from either a hip, knee or an ankle implant) may have symptoms of 

• New or worsening hip, knee or ankle swelling, 
• Pain while walking, 
• Stiffness,
• Inability to bear weight, 
• Grinding or other noise, 
• Instability or loosening, or 
• Any new symptoms of clicking in your hip, knee or ankle

Patients who are experiencing such symptoms should contact their health care provider for an evaluation of their Exactech implant.

What Can You Do?

If your Exactech hip, knee or ankle implant has failed and you need revision surgery, call the Exactech lawyers at Thornton Law Firm for a free consultation. You can call Attorney Marilyn McGoldrick at 1-833-523-2538 or tell us your story online  for a free, confidential evaluation of your legal claim. You have nothing to risk. We offer a fair and accurate assessment of your case.